Bear Mountain jungle resort, Masinagudi

2011-07-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

We decided to visit Bandipur Jungle resorts in April 2011. But as it was holiday season, we ended up booking rooms in Bear Mountain jungle resort, Masinagudi
(Bokkapuram village).
It is approx, 30-35 kms from ooty. Almost 7 hrs drive from banglore, considering lunch & the time we spend clicking wildlife in between.
As we were lucky :) & it was raining in April,...we spotted deer, tuskar, peacock while going through bandipur. The greenery was amazing.

We reached there around 4pm. The road which leads to Bear mountain is not in good condition, can say a patch of almost 1-2 kms. This resort is far from bus stop.
dont know the exact distance. But there are local jeeps available, which can take you to the resort. My suggestion is taking your own car, rather than
going by public transport.
We were bit curious, as the road wasn't good, we were just worried bout the resort, but for our surprise, the resort is excellent.
It is located at the foot of Big hill. we have to inform them in advance if we are having food over there.
The rooms are specious. It doesn't have TV (one way it is really good). Only Airtel catch signal in rooms. But in reception area, for my surprise, even "tata docomo"
got signal :P

We stayed in cottage which have mountain view. Amazing view of mountain from those rooms. One can relax on swings which are in front of each room.
The rooms were clean, with the necessary furniture. Hot water is available round the clock.

The rooms cost which is mentioned online is bit higher. But do try to negotiate for the cost on call. We got good deal as we booked 2 rooms.

we went for Safari, the same day. The resort Safari takes you along the tar road that leads to the Moyar dam which is about 10 kms from the resort.
we have not seen any new animals other than, deer, peacock, elephant, sambhar & bison. It costs approx. Rs.1000. I feel it is not worth as, even we saw
the same animals while coming from banglore.

As we were disappointed by safari, we decided to take walk early morning by ourself. We went to jungle,which is behind the resort,nearly 5 km through dense,
thorny bushes,caught a glimpse of animal tracks.Was nice trekking from the resort up the hill where you can follow a gushing stream.

The food costs 750, 250 for breakfast, same cost for lunch & dinner. The food was not so excellent. They also serve drinks along with food. To our surprise, the
rate is reasonable for drinks. The bonfire we enjoyed the most.

The staff is polite & give their 100% to comfort guests. They do not have room service. But It is really not required there.

They have small pond with fishes & tortoise in it. Also have huge play area for kids.

Overall, it was relaxing stay, lovely weekend spent with friends & nature!!!!!

Room Tip: Ask for mountain view rooms

Holiday Inn Gem Park Ooty

2010-10-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

I went to Ooty in August 2010 with my family.
The drive from Bangalore takes you past the Bandipur national park.
We were lucky we spotted a lot of deer, peacock and elephants in the wild.
Once you get to Ooty the weather is great clean crisp fresh air.
The scenery is cool.
We stayed @ The Holiday Inn Gem Park.
The location of the hotel is fantastic and the service is excellent.
You can feel the royal look of the hotel in the entrance itself,
you will feel very comfortable in each and every corner of the hotel.
Location of the hotel is excellent.
Rooms are spacious for 2-3 people & very clean.
Parking is not spacious as,
they do give the ceremony hall which is on ground floor for different occasions like marriage or birthday parties.
They do allow guests cars inside the hotel and because of that if you plan to go out at the same time,
it takes hell lot of time to take out the car and go out.
If you book the room directly from hotel,
its bit expensive.
Rather I would suggest that you should book the room online.
They do offer good discount.
I had bad experience with the room service.
We went out to take breakfast, and without our permission or any prior information,
they cleaned the room.
Though nothing was missing from the room.
And manager himself apologised for the same.
He said that if you wont inform them, they clean the room @ 10 am.
Also if you want the heater you have to inform the manager every time,
as they does mention 24 hr heater in their site.
But you need to check if that is on or not.
The food quality of the hotel is very good and its expensive too.
I would specifically like to mention that the waiting service in the restarant is excellent.
They have a very good view form each room of the hotel & also from the restaurant.
So you can njoy great view while having your food.

Travel

Bear Mountain jungle resort, Masinagudi

Holiday Inn Gem Park Ooty